When faced with a person having an epileptic seizure, know how to recognize it and take the right actions. Seizures are not always accompanied by spectacular movements and symptoms, such as jerky movements or convulsions. If you are epileptic, this sheet will inform your entourage and loved ones.

WHAT IS AN EPILEPTIC SEIZURE?

These are exaggerated and sudden electrical discharges in an area of ​​the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is the seat of the brain's nervous functions. It is located on the surface of the brain (cerebral cortex). If the seizures recur for months or years, then it is a chronic disease. Otherwise, it is a passing seizure without a real cause.

HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE AN EPILEPTIC SEIZURE?

The best-known signs are loss of consciousness with tremors, but they may be minimal or non-existent for some:

• Eyes rolled back.
• Repeated and disordered gestures.
• Grinding of teeth.
• Saliva at the edge of the lips.
• Loss of urine (due to relaxation of the sphincters).

There are two types of seizure:

Partial seizures

• Without loss of consciousness.
• Momentary loss of language - Odd sensations and partial tremors (limited to one part of the body or a limb)/
• Loss of consciousness with loss of contact, often associated with automatic gestures (flashing of feet or hands, or movements of the mouth).

Generalized seizures

• Fall.
• Stiff body.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Convulsions lasting several minutes.
• Risk of biting the tongue.
• Loss of urine.
• Limited to young children (between 5 and 10 years old).
  - Loss of consciousness for a few seconds.
• Staring and loss of attention.

Most often, seizures only last a few minutes and have no consequences. However, it is essential to call for help.

WHAT CAN I DO IN THE EVENT OF A SEIZURE?

• Call or have someone call for help (15, 18 or 112).
• If you are epileptic, teach your loved ones the right actions to take.
• Do not try to open your mouth during the acute phase (risk of being bitten).
• Loosen anything that could compress the body (belt, bra, tie, shirt collar).
• Place the victim in the lateral safety position (PLS).

• Remove any object that could injure the patient with their sudden movements.
• Make sure there is nothing in the mouth (chewing gum, displaced dentures, food).
• Keep people around them away.

If you are epileptic, warn those around you (family, colleagues) so that they can act without panicking and methodically in the event of a crisis. By respecting a balanced lifestyle, without excess (alcohol, tobacco, coffee, drugs), by respecting regular sleep and by avoiding stressful situations (fear, violent sports, etc.), it is possible to reduce the number and severity of your crises or to prevent them.

Author: Mateo BARAHONA